Poland's All-Time Heat Record Falls After More Than a Century
On Sunday, 28 June 2026, Poland recorded the highest temperature in its meteorological history: 40.5°C (104.9°F) in Słubice, a town on the western border with Germany. The reading surpassed a record that had stood for 105 years, when 40.2°C was logged in Prószków, near Opole in southwestern Poland, back in July 1921. Preliminary data from the state meteorological agency IMGW also showed 40.3°C in Toruń on the same day.
IMGW spokeswoman Agnieszka Prasek confirmed in a statement that operational data indicated the long-standing record had been broken, while noting the readings would undergo further verification. The Anadolu Agency first reported these details.
A Record That Built Over Days
The 28 June peak did not arrive without warning. Just one day earlier, Słubice had already set a new national June record at 38.9°C, signaling how rapidly the heat wave was intensifying across the country. The sequence of back-to-back records underscores that this was not an isolated spike but a sustained extreme weather event.
Government Response and City Measures
Polish authorities moved quickly to protect the public. A nationwide safety alert urged people to stay out of direct sun during peak hours, drink water consistently, and avoid strenuous activity. In Warsaw and other major cities, public misting stations and water curtains were activated, and emergency services were placed on heightened alert to respond to heatstroke, dehydration cases, and the elevated risk of forest fires.
What Comes Next: Storms on the Horizon
Meteorologists warned that the extreme heat is likely to give way to severe thunderstorms as cooler air pushes into Poland early the following week. The transition carries its own hazards: heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and localized flooding are all possible after several consecutive days of exceptional heat. Travelers moving through Poland in this period should monitor forecasts closely and build flexibility into their itineraries.
Why It Matters for Hosts
Independent accommodation and hospitality operators across Poland are facing a new baseline for summer conditions. A heat event that breaks a 105-year record is not routine, and guests will arrive with heightened expectations around cooling, hydration, and safety information. Practical steps worth taking now include auditing room ventilation and fan or air-conditioning availability, stocking communal areas with free drinking water, and preparing a simple one-page guest advisory covering local cooling stations, nearest emergency contacts, and any storm-related disruption to transport or outdoor activities. Hosts in riverside or low-lying areas should also review their flood contingency plans given the storm risk forecast for the days following the heat peak. Proactive communication before and during extreme weather events builds trust and reduces last-minute cancellations or complaints.
Details of the temperature records and government response were first reported by Anadolu Agency on 28 June 2026. This post is published by the Qontaktly travel blog.
First reported by Warsaw Travel.